These Are the 16 Best Songs of 2016 (So Far)

Any single year that can claim Lemonade, The Life of Pablo, Anti, and Views within its first six months is already headed for the history books in terms of instant classic albums. Done deal. So what, then, about the individual songs that 2016 has given us thus far?

As the following roundup of killer tracks proves, 2016 has also proven to be an onslaught of riches when it comes to singles, too. The world may seem to have gone mad of late, but with compositions this rich, collaborations this exciting, and sonic innovations this endlessly surprising, music is out in front perhaps as never before, keeping us together, rocking our bodies, and that these are indeed extraordinary times in which we live—and listen.

“Into You” by Ariana Grande

The irresistible “Into You” has disco in its genes, a monstrous EDM heartbeat, and Ariana’s simultaneously cool-and-hot calls to action on vocals. It has rapidly conquered radio, dance floors, and, really, planet Earth in just the first month of its official release. Prepare to hear it—and love it—forever.

“Sorry” by Beyoncé

The heart breaks as the mind reels over the power Beyonce packs into what may be her most attitude-filled track to date. It’s the song that will inspire pretty much every breakup in 2016 so you can understand why it rages pure empowerment and musical triumph.

“Panda” by Desiigner

Like the glorious creature that inspired it, “Panda” is unique, mesmerizing, and impossible not to love. As a trap song on its own terms, it burns; as a key component of “Pt. 2” by Kanye, it’s now part of our consciousness from here on.

“One Dance” by Drake feat. Wizkid and Kyla

Drake sings unity that can only be found on the floor of a club and with “One Dance” he brings us there every time. To hear this polyrhythmic song is to feel like it really is Drake’s world and we’re just dancing in it.

“Work From Home” by Fifth Harmony feat. Ty Dolla Sign

Humanity didn’t no how badly we all needed a dynamic new girl group until Fifth Harmony showed up and, in turn, showed everyone how it’s done like nobody else has in years. It would have been easy for FH to overwhelm with a big, booming loud anthem; with “Work From Home” they take over everything by way of a chilled-out vibe that packs even more of a sweet punch.

“Work” by Rihanna feat. Drake

Rihanna chants the title over a methodical, bubbly track that can only be described, appropriately, as enchanting. Drake slings a cool come-on and the song ends up a glorious haze of intertwined sensuality.

“Hands to Myself” by Selena Gomez

“For Free” by DJ Khaled feat. Drake

Here’s what we know, DJ Khaled and Drake make magic every time they hit the studio together. After giving us singles that influenced the pop culture lexicon (“On One,” “No New Friends”) their back with a quintessential summer anthem. It literally feels like a California summer. There’s a coolness and bounce to it that breeds the ultra confidence Drizzy raps with.

Kanye west traverses the cosmos with “Ultralight Beam,” an unimaginably gorgeous hymn of inner reflection and outward reaching grace. Joining his pilgrimage are superstars topped by Chance the Rapper and a glorious gospel choir, bringing new depth and heft to West’s already astonishing canon of brilliance.

“On the Way” by Jhene Aiko and Big Sean

So silky it almost tickles, so sexy it almost hurts. The seductive banter between Jhene Aiko and Big Sean on this catchy duet from their album, TWENTY88, is summer fling goal AF. You and whoever else is getting off on the groove just might be playing this a lot in 2016.

“All We Got” by Chance the Rapper feat. Kanye West and The Chicago Children’s Choir

Inspired by a lyric from the song’s guest artist—“Music is all we got”—Chance the Rapper proves how lucky that makes us. With crazy beats, horns, a children’s choir, and the man in the middle boosted up by his pal, who could ask for anything more?

“All the Way Up” by Fat Joe and Remy Ma feat. French Montana and Infrared

“Formation” by Beyoncé

The lead single from Lemonade is a mini-masterpiece within the larger masterpiece. Would anyone expect anything less? Bey’s racial pride shines bright on this daring, righteous political stand that calls black women to rise as one, “in formation” by way of a flawlessly executed anthem.